UK weather charts show temperatures hitting 28C (82.4F) in parts of the south next week with highs of 22C (71F) forecast even for the far north.

Southern Britain is expected to touch 24C (75F) this weekend with Scotland and northern England cooler between 15C (59F) and 22C (71.6F).

Autumn is showing signs of following the trend set by summer bringing lashings of sunshine and unusually high temperatures.

Thermometers could even touch the 30C (86F) mark between now and the end of the season if conditions are right, according to some experts.

Exacta Weather’s James Madden said: “We could see temperatures surging towards 30C (86F) or possibly slightly higher during the start of September.

“Warmer weather could persist for several days and while there will be some interruptions with cooler more unsettled spells, this trend could hold out through the month.

“There are early indications that temperatures will remain largely above average into October and possibly towards the middle of the month although there may be a transition to cooer conditions through the second half of autumn.”